Grow the Glow
My wife and I like to travel. I remember the first trip my wife and I made to Guadalajara, Jalisco in Mexico. After several hours of driving through the night across a dark mountain range, I knew our destination was near. In the distance, I caught a glimpse of a great glow. Once we reached the top of the mountain, we were able to contemplate an impressive panoramic view. In front of us we beheld a large, well-lit city.
This experience reminds me of what the Lord said in the historic Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
The purpose of light is to erase the darkness. Today we live in a world full of spiritual darkness. Around us, we see hatred, envy, violence, fear, insecurity and a host of things associated with sin that affect our lives. In this environment, Jesus calls us to be the light of the world. This means that our mission is to enlighten those around us.
I have often asked myself, “How can I have a positive effect on the lives of those around me?” By analyzing my life, my talents and my abilities, I have come to the conclusion that I myself do not have the ability to make a difference in the lives of others. But Jesus, who tells me to be the light of the world, has the power to to make a difference in the lives of others through me. In John 8:12 he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” If I allow Jesus to come into my life and transform it, then I will have the light of life. Then my life can have a positive effect on those around me as I share the light of Christ, not so much by what I preach, but by the testimony that my life will bear. Most people are already tired of hearing a theoretical gospel; people want a practical gospel. They want to see what Jesus has done in your life and in my life, and if what they see in us is positive, then our testimony will have an effect on their lives.
Jesus made it clear that light should not be hidden. If the light of Christ has reached your life, that light should shine. You should grow your glow by sharing that light with others. I encourage you to accept this challenge from Jesus to be the light in our world. Let us experience the joy of being carriers of hope and blessings to those around us.
By Eduardo Canales. Canales is the Southwestern Union Vice President for Evangelism and Multicultural Ministries and Personal Ministries Director. He lives in Alvarado, Texas, with his family.
